When it comes to choosing a chandelier for your space it can often seem like a daunting task! With all the different designs and sizes available on the market there’s no wonder homeowners struggle to identify which one is right for them and their interior. Let alone thinking about the technical aspects of it too!
Chandeliers are traditionally known for being ornate in their design with hanging crystals but nowadays there are thousands of modern and contemporary options on the market.
Chandeliers are a beautiful addition to foyers and entryways specifically, but also add character to rooms like the dining room and kitchen if space and ceiling heights allow. These fixtures often have several light sources within them and can offer various types of lighting depending on the design.
With all the choices available, this week we wanted to share with you our top tips on how to choose a chandelier for your home. No matter where you’re looking at installing one, keeping in mind these tips will help you choose the right chandelier for your space.
Let’s take a closer look at the details!
The Size
First, it’s really important to have a specific size in mind before you start shopping. Of course, the size of the chandelier you start looking for will be determined by the room it will be installed in. There are some key sizing considerations that should be examined based on the room you’re planning to install the chandelier in.
For a dining room, it’s crucial to ensure that the width of the fixture is no wider than the table. In fact, it should be less wide than the table otherwise the space will look out of proportion, or someone may hit their head! Opt for a chandelier that doesn’t overcrowd the table itself.
Another aspect to consider when installing a chandelier in a kitchen or dining room specifically is the distance between the fixture and the table. The chandelier should be hung 30”-36” above the tabletop, if your ceilings are 8’-9’ high.
You can also think about how you can ensure the chandelier has equal distance between that and the table and also the ceiling. A chandelier should sit beautifully – as if floating – and in proportion to the overall space.
Size is absolutely critical for a chandelier, because if it’s too small for the space it may look dwarfed by the room.
The Design / Style
Selecting the right design or style of a chandelier can be tricky. If in doubt, always choose something that matches with the rest of the interior or decor of that room to create a cohesive look.
If modern design is your style, focus on using a similar finish to that of your accessories or door hardware; satin nickel or chrome are a good base to start with. Bronze finishes can be used for modern or traditional spaces as it’s a more transitional finish.
The key is that the finishes used on your chandelier complement the other finishes used within your space.
We love this gorgeous farmhouse-inspired dining set-up. The chandelier chosen here beautifully replicates the materials used for the table itself. The colorings of all the materials work extremely well together.
Ceiling Heights
Chandeliers shouldn’t replace general lighting for a space. They should add ambiance to it, especially for taller rooms. They are decorative features so homeowners shouldn’t rely on them alone to light a room.
If you have particularly tall ceilings, it is worthwhile looking for a chandelier that produces light downwards instead of outwards, so more of the space below can be illuminated.
For living rooms and entryways, chandeliers should be hung at least 7 feet off the ground, for standard 8-foot ceilings. If your space is taller, hang them around 8 feet from the floor.
Technical Features
As LED technology has advanced significantly, it is worth choosing an LED chandelier over traditional lights due to their energy-saving and environmental benefits.
Many LED chandeliers are dimmable – not all so it is worth checking first – and we highly recommend that you opt for a dimmable design. Having a dimmable chandelier gives you more flexibility with your lighting. For instance, in dining rooms or kitchens, it will be beneficial so you can create different atmospheres depending on who you have over as guests.
In this instance, the chandelier selected matches with the surrounding materials the homeowners have used. Rattan placemats and a timber-framed mirror correlates with the central light shade here.
That rounds up our top tips on how to choose a chandelier! The most important thing to remember if you are in doubt is that it can pay off to have something unexpected instead of going for the “safe” option.
Have you installed a chandelier at home? Were there any key considerations you took on board before purchasing? We’d love to open up the discussion for ideas in the comments below!